GANGES HERITAGE CRUISE

Arrive in Kolkata. After breakfast visit the Famous Jain Temples of Kolkata and The Howrah Bridge, a cantilevered bridge, also known as Rabindra Setu. This is similar in size to the Sydney Harbour Bridge but carries a flow of traffic which Sydney could never dream of. It is the busiest bridge in the world. Later drive to the Kali Ma temple located near the banks of the River Ganges at Kali Ghat. Also visit Victoria Memorial, which is a huge white-marble structure and the most enduring of remains of the British Raj in India. Built by Lord Curzon in memory of the popular monarch, Queen Victoria, it is a wonderful example of the Western style of architecture. It has been now converted in a museum that houses the most impressive collection of memorabilia from the days of Raj. The manuscripts, paintings and sculptures here are outstanding. Later check in at Vivada jetty, Millennium park as per convenience. Depending upon the tide the cruiser sails past the Howrah Bridge late evening or early morning next day. Overnight in cruiser.

Arrive in Kolkata. After breakfast visit the Famous Jain Temples of Kolkata and The Howrah Bridge, a cantilevered bridge, also known as Rabindra Setu. This is similar in size to the Sydney Harbour Bridge but carries a flow of traffic which Sydney could never dream of. It is the busiest bridge in the world. Later drive to the Kali Ma temple located near the banks of the River Ganges at Kali Ghat. Also visit Victoria Memorial, which is a huge white-marble structure and the most enduring of remains of the British Raj in India. Built by Lord Curzon in memory of the popular monarch, Queen Victoria, it is a wonderful example of the Western style of architecture. It has been now converted in a museum that houses the most impressive collection of memorabilia from the days of Raj. The manuscripts, paintings and sculptures here are outstanding. Later check in at Vivada jetty, Millennium park as per convenience. Depending upon the tide the cruiser sails past the Howrah Bridge late evening or early morning next day. Overnight in cruiser.

The Europe on Ganges: There are 5 European reminiscence within 40 km north of Kolkata and were trading post. The vessel will drop anchor at these places as per the guests’ choice. Visit any two or more. Barrackpore, the British Governors residence, Serampore: the Danish Colony under the name Frederiksnagore from 1755 to 1845 Chandannagore -the French colony from 1673 to 1952, except between 1757 to 1794 when it was under the British. Chinsura - The Dutch had followed the Portuguese and Spanish to set up trading posts in India in 1615. They had stayed on till 1825, after which the British took over. Bandel – This means Port in Bengali, the place appears to the port during the time of Portuguese.

Kalna - Maharajas of Bardhaman built several magnificent temples with intricate terracotta ornamentation, the main one being 108 Shiv Mandir built in 1809 in traditional chala architecture and the Raj Bari which house most of the temples.

Mayapur and Matiari: These are the headquarters of ISKCON, preaching the power of prayer to attain salvation. Matiari - Kansha (Bell metal wares) was a poor man substitute to the rich silverware used in Bengali homes for prayers, table wares and also for cooking. The traditional Kansari artisans make from scrap metals and are handcrafted wares and artifacts.

The Nawab Murshid Quli Khan made Murshidabad the capital city of Sube Bangla, comprising of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. The East India Company reigned from here for many years after the Battle of Plassey. Visit Nizamat Kila, also known as the Hazaarduari Palace built by Duncan McLeod of the Bengal Engineers in 1867, in the Italianate style, Katra mosque and Katgola Gardens.

Farakka Barrage is the world’s longest Barrage, controlling the sharing of waters between India and Bangladesh. Depending upon the check in time experience the sail through Farakka barrage - the lock gates open between 9am to 11 am with prior permission. The Farakka Barrage is the longest barrage in the world as per the Guinness Book of World Records with 101 gates. Overnight at Kolkata.

Onward flight.